Herbal & homeopathic remedies useful in weight loss

Obesity / Overweight / Weight Loss
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION - REMEDIES - obesity - overweight - weight loss

· General Description · Symptoms · Causes · Herbal & Homeopathic Remedies · Helpful Dietary Habits · Dos and Don'ts

Healthy nutrition requires a balance of food, vitamins, and minerals (from eating a healthy diet) and physical activity. Overweight and obesity can result if things get out of balance—such as eating too much food, not getting enough physical activity, or having too much of one or more nutrients in the diet.

The United States is facing a very serious public health crisis of overweight and obesity. Today, about 65 percent of adults are overweight or obese. Children are getting heavier as well. The percentage of children and teens that are overweight has more than doubled in the past 30 years. In the 1990s, rates of obesity more than doubled, and are currently rising by over 5% per year. Today, about 17 percent of American children, aged 2-19, are overweight and the numbers are rising. Taking weight off, and keeping it off, is difficult as many people who lose weight later gain back some or all of the excess pounds.

Extra pounds can add up to health problems, often for life. In adults, overweight and obesity are linked to increased risk of

		heart disease
		atherosclerosis
		type 2 diabetes
		high blood pressure
		stroke
		gallbladder disease
		gallstones
		osteoarthritis
		gout
		respiratory disorders
		certain cancers (such as breast cancer in postmenopausal women, and cancers of the uterus, colon, and kidney)
		prostate enlargement (BPH)
		female infertility
		uterine fibroids
		several disorders of pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and gestational hypertension, and
		other chronic conditions.

The location of excess body fat may affect the amount of health risk associated with overweight. For example, the risk of developing these diseases is highest when weight is concentrated near the waist.

Women are more prone to obesity than men as their bodies are more efficient at storing fat; ideally, women should have 25 percent of their body weight as fat, and men should have 15 percent.

For children also, being overweight increases their health risks. Type 2 diabetes was once rare in children—but now it accounts for 8 to 45 percent of newly diagnosed diabetes cases in American children and teens. In addition, overweight children are more likely to become overweight or obese as adults. Children seem most prone to adding fat cells at three different periods in their lives; in the three months before birth; in the first three years of life; and, as in quite a few cases, at the onset of adolescence, from 11 to 16 years old. Experts point out that most youngsters learn their eating habits from their parents – that may be why the children of overweight parents are themselves overweight.

▲TOP

	Bulky physical appearance Abundant fat in the subcutaneous tissues, ‘jodhpur thighs’ and other physical changes Breathlessness when any form of physical effort is involved Aching legs and swollen ankles High cholesterol (including high triglyceride levels) Diabetes High blood pressure Sleep apnea (episodes when a person stops breathing while asleep) Osteoarthritis – The excess weight may damage joints, causing osteoarthritis, particularly of the knees and hips Gallstones
	Obesity is usually determined by body mass index, or BMI, using a formula that calculates a ratio of your height to your weight. (Use our Fitness calculator to get your BMI and other indexes)
	BMI 18-24 (normal) BMI 25 - 29.9 (overweight) BMI 30 and above (obese)
	A high waist to hip ratio (indicating that the fat is centered around the waist) increases the risk of developing serious, even life-threatening conditions associated with obesity. Generally, for men a ratio of 0.90 or less is considered safe. For women, 0.80 or less is considered safe.
Children aged two and older are considered:   At a healthy weight if their BMI falls between the 5th and the 85th percentiles. At risk for being overweight if their BMI is in the 85th to 95th percentile. Overweight or obese if their BMI is at or higher than the 95th percentile.

Losing weight is a slow, gradual process and requires a combination of healthy eating, balanced nutrition and exercise. In an effort to lose weight, some people turn to prescription or over the counter medicine to control appetite and help them to 'starve' the extra weight off. Many of these products contain stimulants which raise heart rate and can cause anxiety and other health problems. Even some so-called 'natural' products contain ephedra and other harmful stimulants. Ultimately the body suffers and the lost pounds often return with a vengeance after the product is stopped.

Herbal and homeopathic remedies can offer an effective natural solution to obesity and weight-gain.

There are also many natural weight loss supplements available that are effective in helping you to achieve your goal weight and support a healthy metabolism naturally. Herbal and homeopathic remedies are gentle on the body’s system, helping to create the conditions necessary for weight stabilization and balance.

These natural weight loss supplements also promote overall physical, mental and emotional health. Herbs such as Fucus vesiculosis, Gallium aperine, Taraxacum officinalis, Glycorrhiza glabra, Erythrea centaurium, Garcinia cambogia, Taraxacum officinalis, Glycorrhiza glabra, and Capsicum can help to boost the metabolism, improve liver functioning, stimulate the digestive system and keep the weight off.

Homeopathic remedies such as Kalium Phosphate, Calcium Phosphate and Calcium Fluoride also help to improve metabolism and the breakdown of dietary fat while reducing the craving for sweet foods. When used regularly, these natural ingredients can help to assist your body in weight loss while also helping rid your body of harmful toxins. The result is a slimmer, more energetic and healthier you!

In addition, the sea vegetable Fucus vesiculosis contains a concentrated source of minerals including iodine, which assists in the production of thyroid hormones necessary for maintaining healthy metabolism in all cells of the body.

	For adults
	Paulina cupana (Guarana) is a climbing shrub that grows wild in the Amazon regions of Brazil and Uruguay. This supplement is derived from the seeds of Paullinia cupana and regarded as a nerve tonic, beneficial in supporting energy levels. Guarana also has tonifying properties that can help the intestines and promote healthy digestion. Zingiber officinalis (Ginger) has rhizomes (underground stem) and stems that have been utilized in ancient Chinese, Japanese and Indian medicine since the 1500s. It has been documented that ancient Greeks wrapped ginger in bread and ate it after meals as a digestive aid. Recent studies have shown Ginger to be beneficial in calming the stomach and supporting digestion, preventing nausea
	For teenagers
	Commiphora Muku (Guggul) has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Guggul contains resin, volatile oils, and gum. The extract isolates ketonic steroid compounds known as guggulsterones. Gymnema Sylvestre is an important herb in both Ayurvedic medicine and Traditional African medicine, Gymnema is known to support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Gymnema sylvestre has recently been studied for its ability to promote weight management.

	For children
	Taraxacum Officinalis (Dandelion) is an unusually nutritious food. It contains substantial levels of vitamins A, C, D, and B complex as well as iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese, copper, choline, calcium, boron, and silicon. The bitter principle of dandelion stimulates digestion, including the secretion of salivary and gastric juices. Dandelion also promotes the flow of bile, supporting liver health. In recent studies, Taraxacum officinalis was shown to have an effect on laboratory animals with respect to body weight. Stachys Officinalis (Wood betony) is very useful for the child who may turn to food for alleviation of discomfort. Wood betony can help to promote digestion and support metabolism in growing bodies.
	For all ages (along with age specific remedies)
	Kalium Phosphate (derived from potassium phosphate) is a natural nerve nutrient, present in brain cells and nerve tissue. Calcium Phosphate supports healthy digestion at a cellular level It assists in the formation of new blood cells and is present in connective tissue and digestive juices making it a vital component of the body's nutrition process from digestion and assimilation through to energy expenditure. An excellent general tonic for all ages!

A sensible balanced diet based on moderate quantities of foods that are low in fat will help most people to lose weight safely. The successful slimmer loses weight slowly and surely, and establishes a healthy eating and exercise pattern that will last a lifetime, so that weight loss is permanent. Diet Diet plans are enormously popular. They range from traditional low fat, high-carbohydrate diets to high-protein, high fat, low-carbohydrate diets. The truth is, no specific diet works for everyone, and no diet works without the other essential components of weight loss - exercise and stress management. Essentially a healthy diet Emphasizes on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugar Beware of diets that promise quick, substantial weight loss; they often do not contain enough of the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy, and you are more likely to go off the diet and engage in binge eating, gaining the weight back. Weight loss of about 1 to 2 pounds per week is considered safe and sustainable. Before attempting any diet, it is important to consult a healthcare practitioner to determine which plan is right for you. Calorie restriction Energy is measured in calories, and the aims of a slimming diet are to bring about weight loss by reducing your calorie intake from food and drink, and increasing your calorie output with exercise, so that the body uses up more energy than it takes in. In this way, the body’s stores of fat tissue are gradually used up. Calories in the diet come from fat, carbohydrate, protein, and/or alcohol. Weight-loss diets are typically designed to limit calories either by restricting certain foods that are thought to result in increased calorie intake, and/or by emphasizing foods that are believed to result in reduced calorie intake. Some currently popular diets restrict fat while emphasizing fiber and a balanced intake of healthful foods. Others restrict carbohydrates, either to extremely low amounts as in the Atkins diet, or to a lesser degree, emphasizing foods low in the glycemic index or high in protein. Fiber Adequate amounts of dietary fiber are believed to be important for people wishing to lose weight. Fiber adds bulk to the diet and tends to produce a sense of fullness, helping people consume fewer calories. While research on the effect of fiber intake on weight loss has not produced consistent results, a recent review of weight-loss trials that did not restrict calories concluded that higher fiber diets improved weight-loss results, especially in people who were overweight. Fiber may also help lower insulin levels (insulin controls the amount of sugar in the blood). Stabilizing food sensitivities Although the relationship between food sensitivities and body weight remains uncertain, according to one researcher, chronic food allergy may lead to overeating and obesity. Long-term Change People who go on and off diets frequently complain that it takes fewer calories to produce weight gain with each weight fluctuation. Evidence now clearly demonstrates that the body gets "stingier" in its use of calories after each diet. This means it becomes easier to gain weight and harder to lose it the next time. Dietary changes need to be long term. Balancing your weight loss diet People who go on and off diets frequently complain that it takes fewer calories to produce weight gain with each weight fluctuation. Evidence now clearly demonstrates that the body gets "stingier" in its use of calories after each diet. This means it becomes easier to gain weight and harder to lose it the next time. Dietary changes need to be long term. FOOD TYPES TIPS STARCHY FOODS   Rice, bread, potatoes, cereals, pasta and other starches are the staple foods in your diet; everything else revolves around them. Contrary to popular beliefs, starchy foods are not fattening. Breads and cereals contain no more calories per gram than lean meat and far less than fats. Choose specialty breads that taste good on their own without spreads. Serve pasta and rice with tomato-based vegetable sauces, avoiding any made with cheese, cream, butter or lots of oil. FRUIT, VEGETABLES AND SALADS   Include a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and salad leaves. Fresh fruit makes a good choice for a low0calorie dessert. Go easy on dry fruits and avocados; dried fruit is high on sugar and avocados are high in fat. Avoid fattening salad dressings such as mayonnaise; make your own based on lemon or lime juice and low-fat yoghurt. Do not eat fried potatoes, such as chips, or potatoes baked with a cheese sauce. MILK, CHEESE AND YOGHURT   Eat moderate amounts of low-fat dairy products Choose skimmed or semi-skimmed milk, low-fat yoghurt and low-fat cheeses such as fromage frais, cottage cheese and ricotta. Avoid milk shakes made with whole milk. PROTEIN   Choose lean meat (such as game) with all visible fat trimmed off, poultry with the skin removed, fish and pulses (lentils, split peas and dried beans). Steam, grill, bake or poach – but do not fry. Eat nuts, nut butters and seeds in moderation. Avoid high-fat meat products such as pies, pastries, sausages and beefburgers. White fish such as cod is less fattening than oily fish. Avoid fish canned in oil, or drain well. FATTY AND SUGARY FOODS   Use low-fat spreads. Use oil – even olive oil – sparingly. The occasional (once or twice a week) sugary treat will do no harm, as sugar is not blamed for obesity. Cutting down on fats is the best approach when you are dieting. Avoid all crisps, biscuits, cakes and pies as they contain a lot of hidden fats. Eating Guidelines Guiding healthful food choices when eating outside of the home is also a priority. To teach good lifetime eating habits, try the following Make healthful foods easy to see at home and keep unhealthful foods out of sight Plan meals and snacks ahead of time so that healthy choices will be available Avoid using food as a reward or withholding food as punishment Eat slowly and pay attention to when you are hungry and when you are satisfied Eat at a designated location such as a dining table, rather than in front of the TV Aim for several servings of fruits and vegetables every day Drink water when thirsty instead of beverages with added sugars Start the day with a healthful breakfast to prevent cravings later on Some most effective home made remedies Take 1 teaspoon lime juice with 1 cup water in the morning Mix limejuice with honey and water. Drink a glass of this every morning. Mix 3 teaspoons of lime juice, ¼ teaspoon powdered black pepper and 1 teaspoon honey in 1 cup water. Drink for 3 months. Eat 10 fresh, fully grown curry leaves every morning for 3 to 4 months. Eat a tomato before breakfast. If you've ever wanted to know the secrets to getting ripped to shreds, but have been let down by supplements, personal trainers or any rubbishy gimmick, then this will be one website you'll want to read very, very carefully... CLICK HERE   LADIES! • If You are NOT Sexy- • If you THINK you’re Sexy- • If you WANT to be Sexier- • If you want to QUANTUM LEAP your SEXINESS- • If you are a Model or Want to Become One- READ The Sexy Body Diet by Jennifer Nicole Lee CLICK HERE